Shopkeeper Shirley Jeggo foiled an attempted ram raid at her Braintree store when she confronted a masked raider and his accomplices single-handed.

Determined to fend off the would-be thieves, 52-year-old Mrs Jeggo stood her ground as they repeatedly reversed a car into the front of the Masefield Road store.

As the driver slammed into the door, Mrs Jeggo stood directly behind it, waving her arms, shaking her fists and shouting at the raiders.

One of the two accomplices attempted to spray an aerosol in her face before the gang fled empty-handed.

One was wearing gloves and a menacing black balaclava face mask with eye slits.

Mrs Jeggo said: "I just went on to automatic pilot. I was so angry and was absolutely determined they were not going to get in."

Although uninjured, she was left badly shaken by her ordeal. "It hit me afterwards when I saw the CCTV footage and realised what I had done," she said.

The front of the shop was wrecked, causing more than £10,000-worth of damage.

A red Rover car was found abandoned near by 15 minutes after the incident, and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Braintree police station on 01376 551312.